Hamas Welcomes Agreement in Lebanon; Ready for Ceasefire in Gaza

A senior Hamas official welcomed the ceasefire established in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, stating, "Hamas is ready for a ceasefire in Gaza." This Palestinian official told AFP, "We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that Hamas is prepared for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal for prisoner exchange." According to this report, the senior Hamas official simultaneously accused Israel of obstructing the agreement. In another report, Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official, told Reuters on Wednesday that the group "appreciates" Lebanon's right to reach an agreement that protects the people of Lebanon and hopes to reach an agreement to end the war in Gaza. The Houthis in Yemen welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Wednesday, calling the agreement a "victory" for the Iran-backed ally. According to AFP, Mohammed Abdulsalam, the spokesperson for this group, referred to the ceasefire as "a new victory" in a post on X. Following the establishment of the ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. and Israeli officials expressed hope that the loss of Hezbollah's military support would compel Hamas to seek peace. According to Jerusalem, this Iran-backed group has long claimed to want a ceasefire but has shown reluctance to meet Israel's demands regarding hostages. International mediators say Israel's demands for troop withdrawal from Gaza have also been an obstacle for both sides. The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon went into effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, December 7. Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday, December 6, the confirmation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah by his country's security cabinet, stating, "If Hezbollah violates the ceasefire, Israel will attack this group." U.S. President Joe Biden also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel shortly after Netanyahu's remarks, stating that the people of Lebanon and Gaza deserve a better future and that Hamas faces an option to release hostages, including American citizens. Biden stated that in the coming days, the U.S. will work with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to make another effort to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. The return of war refugees to the city of Tyre occurred despite warnings from the Lebanese and Israeli armies. Biden, while announcing the ceasefire in Lebanon, stated that Iran's proxies have paid a heavy price. Reactions in the U.S. to the ceasefire in Lebanon: a step towards reducing tensions in the Middle East. The announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon from the perspective of a guest on the evening analytical program of Voice of America. A joint statement from the Presidents of the U.S. and France regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon.